I suppose as I look around and see a bunch of my friends putting up year in review blogs that it’s time to either look back and evaluate the year that was, or look forward into the future and see what kind of year I want to have. Since the immediate past sucks, let’s look forward, shall we? Here are my goals for the year 2011, and since I didn’t make any type of resolutions in 2010, I have nothing to compare it to.
Writing – I want to keep it up. I’ve published two novels and a collection of poetry in 2010, and my current plan for 2011 is to write two more books in The Black Knight Chronicles series, and maybe go back and hack some more on Return to Eden, an epic fantasy trilogy that I’ve started and abandoned a couple of times. I’m getting the itch to revisit those characters, though, so I might touch on them some this year as well. But definitely two novels in 2011, and some more convention appearances and things of that nature.
Weight loss – I gotta start it. A few years ago I managed to lose over 50 lbs, which was great. Except that in the years since I’ve managed to find 60 brand new pounds! So Suzy got us an exercise room for Christmas, complete with treadmill and recumbent bike. Monday I’m starting on the Couch to 5K program with several co-workers, and I hope that the social aspect in addition to the outlay of cash will motivate me to exercise. My goals in this area are 50 pounds lost this year, and to complete a 5K, 10K and half-marathon run. I was initially planning to do a marathon this year, but realized that I need to spread my goals out over a longer period of time, or I’ll plow through them and then have no impetus to continue exercising.
Podcasting – you forgot I co-hosted a podcast, didn’t you? Well, for a little while so did I. But Special K and I are back in the saddle and ready to go, so with the help of the greatest online poker site in the world, The Gambling Tales Podcast has all sorts of cool things coming your way in 2011.
Existing books – I plan to sell books at the Heroes Con in June, which is one of my favorite cons to attend as a fan. It’ll be a whole new world sitting on the other side of the table, but I had a blast at the NC ComiCon with folks like Rob from Panda Dog Press and Chris from Capes n’ Babes, so I’m really looking forward to Heroes.
Travel – I want to go to at least one place I’ve never been before. Work may be taking me to Wisconsin in early 2011, so that gives me a chance to fly into Chicago and then spend the weekend there once my training is done, so that could take this one off my list early.
Friends – I had a great time in Vegas spending time with all my internet friends, and the outpouring of support and love that has come from all of you folks in my brother’s time of troubles has been so amazing, I gotta make it a point to see you guys more. I did a better job of hanging out this year at the WPBT gathering instead of playing poker all the time, so that’s a trend that’s likely to continue.
Family – I gotta help get my bro back on his feet. That’s the most important thing right now, and not likely to change. My sister is in pretty good shape after two hip replacement surgeries this year, and my dad is doing well. Mom is batty as hell, but that’s just a situation that won’t ever really get any better, so I need to just treasure what time I have left with my folks while they’re still around.
That’s what I’m trying to do in 2011, I know it seems pretty ambitious, but I’m nothing if not self-confident, right? What do you have planned?
Wow John, you have some big goals for 2011! Good luck reaching them. I too would like to get into a healthier weight range but some injuries have prevented me from jogging. Take care, Jen